It’s hard to pick the best smart TV. After all, maybe you love Hulu Plus or Amazon Instant Video. Maybe you just want access to music and/or Facebook statuses on the big screen. Some services function differently on different TVs. However, if you prefer Netflix, the streaming service has a few suggestions that can make the best smart TV experience possible.
Back in January, the service launched the Netflix Recommended TV program. To be deemed a Netflix Recommended TV, the set must go through a series of tests to see how fast the TV turns on, how fast it can launch the Netflix app, and how fast it can resume video playback. Other criteria include “fast video playback,” how easy the app is to find on the TV, whether or not the remote has a Netflix button, and if the TV comes with the latest version of Netflix out of the box.
To get that seal of approval (yes, it’s an actual sticker), the set must meet at least five of the seven criteria. So maybe it doesn’t have that button or you have to update the interface. It can still be a Netflix Recommended TV.
Currently, there are seven manufacturers making Netflix Recommended TV sets. Let’s take a peek at four Netflix picks for the best smart TV.
LG EG9600
The most expensive model on our list is a Netflix Recommended TV because it has LG’s webOS 2.0 smart TV platform, which includes the latest version of Netflix. And it has that price tag because it’s actually a curved 4K OLED 3D TV. Available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes, this model uses OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology to produce awesome images with a set that’s lighter and thinner than many others on the market. It creates that picture with self-lighting OLED pixels, which can switch on and off individually to create awesome images with dark blacks and a cool contrast. Of course, it also has a 4K image, which is pretty great in any package, producing a resolution that’s four times what you’d get on a 1080p HDTV. Other features include a 4K upscaler, built-in WiFi, and harman/kardon sound.
MSRP: $5,499.99 to $8,999.99
For More Information: LG Electronics
Sony W850C
This model isn’t a 4K TV, but it does deliver Netflix in full 1080p HD. It’s also an Android TV with GoogleCast, so when you’re not streaming Netflix, you can access a whole lot of other movies, TV shows and Google Play apps on the big screen—and with voice commands. It can even stream PlayStation Now, so you can play PS3 games on the TV, without an actual console. Other image perks include edge LED backlighting with frame dimming, 3D support, Sony’s X-Reality Pro picture engine, and Motionflow XR technology for sports and other fast-moving images. Available in 65- and 75-inch screen sizes, the W850C even has four HDMI inputs and two USB ports for connecting other AV essentials.
MSRP: $1,499.99 to $2,499.99
For More Information: Sony
Sharp Roku TV
Sharp’s entry is the least expensive on our list. And it’s great that they offer an affordable Netflix Recommended TV in two screen sizes (43-50 inches). However, if you ever get “bored” of that Netflix subscription, this model offers 2,000 other options for movies, TV shows, sports, news and more, all through the Roku TV interface. That lineup includes Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Pandora, VUDU, HBO Go, the GoPro Channel, and more. Other features include a 1080p HD image, a 60Hz native refresh rate, built-in WiFi, three HDMI inputs, and one USB port. It also supports the Roku app, which allows users to browse available channels, view the Roku Feed, and search via voice commands.
MSRP: $379.99 to $499.99
For More Information: Sharp Electronics
Hisense H7
The last one on our list isn’t out yet—but it’s certainly worth mentioning. That’s because it’s a Netflix Recommended TV and a 4K TV, but with a price tag under $600. The 50-incher will include the 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution, 4K upconversion, HDMI 2.0 inputs and HDCP 2.2 support. Other features include 2×2 dual-band WiFi, one-touch hot keys for launching favorite services, and Total Technology audio from dbx-tv sound. Of course, that Netflix perk is also nice, allowing users to turn the TV on and launch the app with one button on the remote. Although no exact release date has been announced, this set is expected to pop up in Walmart stores and online sometime this month.
MSRP: $598
For More Information: Hisense
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